Three Ways for Gaokao Students to Apply to Hong Kong Universities: HKU Opens on October 6, HKUST is Now Open, and CUHK Uses the Early Admission Batch
For students taking the Gaokao in 2027 and wishing to apply to universities in Hong Kong, application methods vary by school: HKU and HKUST require separate applications on their official websites. HKU opens on October 6, 2026, and HKUST opened on October 2. CUHK, however, uses the MOE Early Admission Batch and does not require a separate application. This article outlines the application processes, key dates, and important notes for these three universities.
For students taking the Gaokao in 2027 and aiming for Hong Kong universities, there is one key thing to understand first: the admissions process for Gaokao students varies among these institutions. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) require separate applications on their official websites. HKU's application system opens on October 6, 2026, while HKUST's opened on October 2. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) admits students through the early admission batch, so no separate application is needed; students simply fill in their preferences in the college admission system after Gaokao scores are released. Details for each university are provided below.
Comparison of the Three Universities
| University | Application Method | Opens | Deadline | Interview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Hong Kong | Separate application on the official website; application fee HKD 780 | 2026-10-06 | 12:00 PM, June 28, 2027 | Yes (for shortlisted candidates) |
| The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | Separate application on the official website | 2026-10-02 | 2027-06-10 | Yes, late June 2027, conducted entirely in English |
| The Chinese University of Hong Kong | Ministry of Education early admission batch; fill in preferences after scores are released | As scheduled by provincial examination authorities | As scheduled by provincial examination authorities | No interview |
The University of Hong Kong: Separate Application and the Multiple Excellence Admission Scheme
HKU's admissions for mainland students is called the "Mainland Undergraduate Admission Scheme," which operates independently of the national unified college admission system. Key points include:
- Eligibility: Candidates taking the 2027 Gaokao or the Joint Examination for Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Chinese Students are eligible to apply. There is no quota limit for any province or municipality; admission is based on merit. All undergraduate programs are open to mainland students regardless of their science or humanities track; students from provinces with the new Gaokao system have no subject requirements for any major.
- Application Steps: First, complete the online application form, then pay the HKD 780 application fee (online payment via credit cards such as MasterCard, VISA, and UnionPay only; the application is considered successful only after payment, and the fee is non-refundable). After Gaokao scores are released, log in to the system again to upload your scores.
- No Impact on Mainland Admissions: Applying to HKU and participating in the national unified college admission system do not affect each other. You can also apply for programs like the Strong Foundation Plan simultaneously. However, once you accept an offer from HKU, you will no longer participate in mainland college admissions.
- Admissions Criteria: HKU gives priority to the total Gaokao score and English score, interview performance (for those shortlisted for an interview), as well as overall academic and non-academic qualities.
The Multiple Excellence Admission Scheme is an "early selection" channel for Gaokao students at HKU. After completing the Mainland Undergraduate Admission Scheme application and receiving an application number, you can apply for this scheme. Applicants need to fill out a personal information declaration form, which must be verified and stamped by their high school before uploading. Considerations listed by HKU include academic performance, awards in academic competitions, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and talents in arts and sports. Outstanding candidates may receive bonus points for admission, while exceptionally outstanding candidates may have the opportunity to receive a conditional offer before the Gaokao.
Key Dates for HKU in 2027
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 6, 2026 | Online application system opens (Multiple Excellence Admission Scheme opens simultaneously) |
| December 31, 2026 | Deadline for the first round of applications for the Multiple Excellence Admission Scheme |
| January–February 2027 onwards | Online interviews for the Multiple Excellence Admission Scheme conducted in batches |
| March 22, 2027 | Deadline for Multiple Excellence Admission Scheme applications |
| May 2027 | Results for the Multiple Excellence Admission Scheme fully released |
| Late June 2027 | Upload Gaokao scores; admission interviews |
| 12:00 PM, June 28, 2027 | Deadline for the Mainland Undergraduate Admission Scheme application |
| Late June to July 7, 2027 | Admission results released on a rolling basis |
Please note: HKU states that if you do not attend any of the Multiple Excellence interviews before the Gaokao, you will be deemed to have automatically withdrawn from the scheme and will not receive any admission benefits. Students wishing to pursue this path should apply before the first-round deadline on December 31.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology: Separate Application and Interview Cut-off Scores Determined After Score Release
Applications from Gaokao students to HKUST are also completed separately on the university's official website:
- Opening and Deadline: Opens on October 2, 2026, and closes on June 10, 2027.
- Interview Cut-off Scores: After Gaokao scores are released, HKUST will determine the interview cut-off scores for each school based on the application pool and the first-tier admission lines of each province and municipality. Candidates who meet the cut-off scores will be invited for an interview.
- Interview: Conducted entirely in English in late June 2027.
- Admission Results: Released from late June to early July 2027.
The all-English interview has high requirements for spoken English. It is recommended to practice introducing yourself and explaining your reasons for choosing a major in English in advance.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong: Early Admission Batch, No Separate Application Required
CUHK's approach is completely different from the two universities above:
- CUHK admits Gaokao students through the national unified college admission system for general higher education institutions and is listed by the Ministry of Education in the early admission batch.
- Candidates do not need to apply directly to CUHK; they simply fill in their preferences in the early admission batch after Gaokao scores are released. Please check with the examination authority of your respective province, municipality, or autonomous region for the exact timeline.
- Admission does not require an interview; candidates are admitted based on merit according to their Gaokao scores (excluding bonus points).
- CUHK's national standard code for mainland unified admissions is 81002.
- Admission plans are divided into four categories: Humanities, Science, Engineering, and Business.
CUHK has been admitting mainland undergraduates since 1998, and to date, over 6,700 mainland students are pursuing their undergraduate degrees at CUHK.
Other Hong Kong Universities
City University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Baptist University, and others also admit mainland Gaokao students. Application methods and deadlines vary by institution, so please refer to their respective official websites.
Reminders for Gaokao Students and Their Families
- Clarify the channels first. For universities requiring separate applications, missing the online application deadline means no opportunity. For those in the early admission batch, pay close attention to the preference-filling timeline in your province.
- English scores matter. HKU explicitly lists English scores as one of the priority factors, and HKUST's interviews are conducted entirely in English.
- Prepare materials early if applying for HKU's Multiple Excellence Admission Scheme. The declaration form requires verification and stamping by your school, so allow enough time for this process.
- Use only official channels. HKU states on its website that it has not entrusted any agencies to handle admissions or recruitment in the mainland, nor are there any so-called "internal referral" channels by professors. CUHK also states that it has not established any agency relationships with admissions organizations. Any claims of "direct admission with low scores" are untrustworthy.
Need Help?
If you want to know which Hong Kong university and application channel best suit your child's profile, check out our Hong Kong Admissions Services, or Book a one-on-one consultation. If you need to improve your English interview and speaking skills, you can also explore our IELTS courses.